Multiple choice

Which of the following is used in match box industries?

  1. Sulphur

  2. Oxygen

  3. Chlorine

  4. Phosphorus

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Phosphorus (specifically red or white phosphorus) is used in matchbox industries, particularly on the striking surface of safety matches. When the match head is rubbed against this surface, the friction generates enough heat to ignite the phosphorus, which then ignites the match head. Sulphur is sometimes present in the match head itself, but the key material on the striking surface is phosphorus.

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